The history of Malayalam cinema dates back to the 1920s, when the first film, , was released in 1928. However, it was not until the 1950s that the industry started to gain momentum. The 1950s and 1960s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Malayalam cinema, with films like Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu (1952) and Chemmeen (1965) becoming huge hits. These films showcased the lives of ordinary Keralites, exploring themes of love, family, and social issues.